The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has officially inaugurated a distribution centre for Zipline, a global instant logistics and drone delivery service, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
Commissioned by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate alongside Bayelsa state Governor Douye Diri, this distribution center serves as Zipline’s core facility, featuring state-of-the-art warehousing, temperature-controlled storage, and inventory management systems to facilitate swift, on-demand medical deliveries
According to the company, the facility will support hundreds of health facilities and community delivery sites across its 38,000 sq km service area, ensuring consistent access to essential supplies, even in the state’s most remote regions.
This milestone is not only a major achievement for the state but also a vital support for the entire country, especially as disruptions in global aid funding continue to impact healthcare services.
Since launching in Bayelsa in 2023, Zipline says it has played a crucial role in strengthening healthcare access by delivering over one million vaccine doses and over 71,000 units of essential medicines.
The company has also spearheaded several large-scale vaccination and health campaigns, distributing hundreds of thousands of supplements and tablets to 73 out of 83 wards in communities across the state.
The drone company had previously partnered with Kaduna state for the drone shipment of COVID-19 vaccines which required ultra low temperature storage for usage.
Zipline has been instrumental in drone delivery service, even partnering with governments and other companies to expand its bases. In 2022, Zipline partnered with Jumia to enhance e-commerce delivery with its fast and convenient service.
In December 2022, the drone company joined forces with the Rwandan government to open several delivery stations in rural and urban areas across the country.
With access to 13 different distribution centres across Africa, Zipline also presents job opportunities as it it’s 100% locally-led and staffed, creating more than 30 high-skilled jobs per distribution centre.
